We’re all about our small-town restaurants here in the Lone Star State, and evidently y’all are as well! The following are 10 of the best rural restaurants in Texas, and each one is absolutely delicious. The list was compiled from suggestions made by our lovely readers. Keep reading to see if one of yours made the list!

1. Bevo's Drive In (Vernon)
Facebook/Bevo's Drive In
Google/Spiphy Warfare
Old fashioned greasy spoons never disappoint, and Bevo's is no exception. Locals go crazy for the fried pickles, juicy burgers, and decadent milkshakes, and it’s about time the rest of us get to experience such a mainstay as well. You'll find the restaurant at 4000 Wilbarger St, Vernon, TX 76384. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
2. Jody's Old Restaurant (Temple)
TripAdvisor/Linda L
TripAdvisor/Rachel F
Family owned and operated for over 65 years, Jody’s has made quite the name for itself. Serving up Southern staples like chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, and the crispiest onion rings in Central Texas, the Frank family invites everyone to dine at this legendary institution. The address is 1219 S 1st St # A, Temple, TX 76504. Click here to learn more about one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas.
3. Brazos River Cafe (Millsap)
Google/Rachel Alferez
Google/Sandra Miller
Not many restaurants also serve as campgrounds, so this hidden gem is already set apart in that aspect alone. With farm-raised catfish, beautiful scenery, and even a place to stay for the night after you eat, Brazos River Catfish Cafe is the most unique seafood joint around. The restaurant is located at 10771 I-20, Millsap, TX 76066. To learn more, visit their website here.
4. Judy's Cafe (Duncanville)
Google Maps
Google/Shane Smith
A small town, homey atmosphere, and breakfast food: three independently awesome factors that, when combined, are the perfect recipe for an amazing meal. The most important meal of the day, along with plenty of other delicious eats, is served ‘round the clock on weekends, so come get your grub on! You'll find Judy's at 126 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Duncanville, TX 75116. To learn more, visit their website here.
5. Underwood's Cafeteria (Brownwood)
TripAdvisor/LK R
Google/Joe Schmidt
We don’t usually go for buffets, but Underwood’s is a shining exception. The wood-paneled decor creates a rustic, woodsy vibe complemented by the BBQ, Southern sides, and scrumptious fruit cobblers that diners can enjoy in unlimited amounts. The address is 402 W Commerce St, Brownwood, TX 76801. To learn more, visit their website here.

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6. Dahlia Cafe (Libery Hill)
Google/Dahlia Cafe
Google/John Christopher
Restaurants with outdoor seating hold a special place in our hearts, especially when evenings are comfortably crisp and cool. Grab some friends and enjoy a night to remember complete with live music, an upbeat atmosphere, and delicious home-cooked food. The cafe is located at 2450 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. Click here to learn more.
7. K N Root Beer Drive In (Graham)
Google/K N Root Beer Drive In
Google/Robert Wheat
K N Root Beer began in 1948, quickly expanding from the original Wisconsin location to over 30 drive-ins nationwide. Only a handful still remain, and we’re lucky enough to have three right here in Texas! You'll find the Graham location at 1108 Cypress St, Graham, TX 76450. To learn more, visit their website here.
8. Bob's Better Burger (Midland)
Google/2stroke survivor
Google/Modesto Rivas
The retro signage outside this quirky diner attracts weary West Texas travelers all day long, and nobody has ever regretted stopping. Everyone knows the best burgers come without any fancy sauces or toppings, and Bob’s delivers perfectly in that aspect. The restaurant is located at 3417 Thomason Dr, Midland, TX 79703. To learn more, visit their Facebook page here.
9. Lum's BBQ (Junction)
Google/Alesia Marie
Google/Saul Stroud
Better BBQ for the price Lum’s charges is impossible to come by, and they certainly don’t skimp on flavor, either. Slow-smoked brisket, sausage, turkey, and other premium cuts of meat are seasoned to perfection and guaranteed to melt in your mouth. You'll find Lum's at 2031 Main St, Junction, TX 76849. Click here to learn more.
10. Dairy Mart (Mineral Wells)
Google/Oscar Davila
Google/D Maxey
At first glance, Dairy Mart looks more like a defunct gas station than a thriving restaurant. If you take one piece of advice away from us about Texas, let it be this: never judge a book by its cover. These burgers and fries are some of the best you’ve ever eaten, and the people are absolute jewels to boot. The address is 700 SE 1st St, Mineral Wells, TX 76067. Click here to learn more.

Have you been to any of these hidden gem restaurants in Texas? Did we leave off your favorite small-town restaurant in Texas? Drop some of your suggestions in the comments so we can keep them in mind for future articles!

If you’re looking for more comfort food in Texas, check out these 10 iconic restaurants in the Lone Star State.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

best rural restaurants in Texas

Elisa Regulski | April 26, 2020

What are the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas?

Greer's Ranch Cafe, located in Stephenville, is one of the best hidden gem restaurants in Texas. If you’re in the mood for a hearty plate of chicken fried steak, this is the place to go. In fact, everything on their large menu is full of fabulous flavor. You’ll definitely find something to satisfy your hunger cravings at this tasty eatery. Happy's Fish House, located in Tyler, is another great place to eat in Texas. Their crispy fried fish baskets are absolutely scrumptious. Bring your whole family and enjoy a delectable meal together.

What are the best diners in Texas?

The Blue Bonnet Cafe, located in Marble Falls, is one of the best diners in Texas. This eatery doesn’t just whip up amazing burgers -- their pies are incredible. Believe us, their lemon meringue pie is worth going out of your way for. For more tasty eats, visit Old Spanish Trail Restaurant in Bandera. Established in 1921, this is one of the oldest diners in Texas. They’ve really perfected the art of an excellent chicken fried steak dinner.

Which small towns in Texas have the best restaurants?

Fredericksburg is one of the best small towns in Texas with delicious restaurants. If you love German food, this is the place to go. Auslander, located on Main Street, serves some of the most inventive sausage dishes and classic comfort food plates around. The whimsical atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve entered a colorful fairy tale. This place definitely belongs on your Texas dining bucket list.

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Featured Addresses
4000 Wilbarger St, Vernon, TX 76384, USA
1219 S 1st St, Temple, TX 76504, USA
10771 I-20, Millsap, TX 76066, USA
126 W Camp Wisdom Rd, Duncanville, TX 75116, USA
402 W Commerce St, Brownwood, TX 76801, USA
2450 Ranch Rd 1869, Liberty Hill, TX 78642, USA
1108 Cypress St, Graham, TX 76450, USA
3417 Thomason Dr, Midland, TX 79703, USA
2031 Main St, Junction, TX 76849, USA
700 SE 1st St, Mineral Wells, TX 76067, USA